Hamilton LRT one of Metrolinx new priorities

LRT

Bringing LRT to Hamilton is among a group of 10 priorities for the next 15 years announced Thursday by transit authority Metrolinx.

Hamilton’s proposed light rail linking McMaster to Eastgate Square “will change the way people in Hamilton travel, by connecting key areas such at McMaster and the dt (downtown),” Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig tweeted after a lunch address at the Toronto Board of Trade.

While it initially appeared Metrolinx had announced a ranking of the projects in a series of numbered tweets, the agency clarified that no ranking has been determined. Instead, McCuaig said the announcement “reconfirms Hamilton’s place on the priority list.”

The next wave of investments, which also include LRT in Mississauga and Brampton, a Yonge subway extension, GO rail upgrades and an air link to Pearson airport from Union Station, will cost an estimated $34 billion.

Metrolinx will deliver an investment strategy by June 1 that will recommend revenue tools that can raise the necessary cash. Tools being considered include gas taxes, road tolls, parking levies and fare hikes.

“With our plan in place, it’s now time for the big conversation about the best ways to pay for this $34 billion investment,” McCuaig said in a release. “Together, let’s look to what other world-class cities have done to fund their transit plans and then get the job done here in the GTHA.”